Merkur Scorpio Reviews - Page 3 of 4

1989 Merkur Scorpio 2.9 from North America

Summary:

Excellent car, hope my investment was worth it

Faults:

So far there have been no major problems. Although the A/C and cruise control are not working. Supposedly the car was sitting for awhile before I bought it. Unfortunately because of that the seals on the transmission rotted out and it is pouring out transmission fluid. It is currently being fixed.

General Comments:

Styling is excellent. The interior of this car is beautiful and it was maintained well. Gorgeous black leather in mint condition. Reclining backs seats...

Summary:

Faults:

General Comments:

Although I have written many "problems" with this car, it still surpasses any car for its time and even now shows up many other makes of the same kind made more recently. I have replaced many parts and don't much aesthetic work to the interior/exterior only because I was lucky enough to get this car for a mere 500 Canadian. If you're looking for parts and cannot find any then you haven't looked hard enough, British American Transfer, or B.A.T., can supply you with any part needed and even performance parts such as drilled and slotted brake rotors, stainless steel braided brake hoses an much more. All in all this car is the best buy for the best performance in a sedan you can find. TONS of room, TONS of power, and TONS of fun. Buy one.

6th Nov 2002, 09:05

I own an 89 merkur scorpio and have many problems with it, but it still runs great like the other cars in my family just not as pretty. but it's a great car for a teenager to have if they want something to get from point a to point b.--Tim-

7th Aug 2004, 23:03

I own an 89 Merkur Scorpio and have many problems with it, like the AC, back brakes, switches to two windows etc. but it runs on roads like a flying jet when you hit the gas and the seats are so comfortable. My family doesn't want to let go of this car because it gave us good luck in the family and so much pride. I wonder if I can get any parts to my car.

1988 Merkur Scorpio 4 door sedan V6 from North America

Summary:

Faults:

Automatic transmission had to be completely rebuilt. Drive train connecting engine with transmission was poorly constructed. Upon rebuild, transmission worked, but roughly.

Entire engine cooling system was poorly constructed. Pressurized purge tank for coolant leaked often, requiring replacement. Cooling system often ran out of coolant without warning. Coolant warning lights on dash did not work properly. Lower and upper radiator hoses both failed at different times, standing the vehicle un-driveable. Various other cooling system parts failed, at tremendous cost.

Leather seats, although taken well care of, tore easily.

Fog lamps were poorly placed in the front, and were very easily shattered by rocks, and not cheaply replaced.

Anti-lock brake system is a first generation system, and behaves very unlike modern systems, and is very dangerous to use.

Engine fan clutch locked up.

Battery failed often, and was located in the back of the engine bay, making it difficult to service or remove.

Switched failed easily.

Tape player ate tapes from the beginning.

Custom security key was impossible to have copied.

Bodywork became severely rusted.

Starter motor had to be replaced.

Air conditioning never worked properly.

Car did not come with key to glove box lock.

Temperature gauge never worked properly, and did not warn that the engine was overheating (twice).

Paint and clear coat chipped from the beginning.

No air bags.

General Comments:

This car was good in its day (1988-1989), but the car's day is long gone.

Very expensive to keep up.

Most Ford dealerships no longer carry the replacement parts. Most mechanics have no knowledge whatsoever of these vehicles.

I was never able to get the car up the the advertised top speed (140 MPH).

Poor transmission made acceleration very slow.

The car was rather roomy, and had a large trunk compartment.

When running properly, the car was comfortable on the road.

It's hard to tell people about your car when almost nobody has ever heard of it.

1st Jan 2003, 21:16

This guy owned this car for 12 years and 160,000 miles and apparently didn't like the fact that it wore out. I have seen these cars even marginally maintained have fewer problems and still look good with 250,000 miles. The comment that it rusted easily was a give-away about his maintenance practices, these cars have the best rust protection I have ever seen, and only rust when never washed.